Building for the Beijing Olympics takes a unique look at the build up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This insightful text shows that these Olympics are the culmination of political effort going back to 1949, that in essence it is the outcome of dramatic diplomatic, political, cultural, social and economic change born of ideological commitment. This collection explores the background to this commitment to change as seen through the eyes of Chinese analysts who have been part of it. This collection is both objective and subjective - a product of academic and personal experience; it is the outcome of sources largely unknown outside China; it comprises a comprehensive coverage of the means by which China was able to impress the world and win the Games, in short, it provides an informed comment on the background to 2008. No other work has attempted this setting of the scene